DEDRYCK BOYATA looks like being the latest Celtic star to commit himself to the club for the next four years. Scott Bain signed for the first time last week, then Kristoffer Ajer signed his own new four year deal. Now it the big Belgian who is next in line to sign on for 10IAR.
Boyata has in recent months formed a solid defensive partnership with Ajer and both will start against Motherwell in the Scottish Cup Final on Saturday – barring any late training ground injuries.
And it looks like they will be the central defensive partnership at the club for the foreseeable future as Boyata has now revealed that he is happy to stay at Celtic and sign a new deal.
“I’m in talks with the club. I’ve said it before: I’m happy here,” Boyata stated.
“Right now, nothing is done and it’s not like I can actually say what’s going to be done. But I’m in talks and we’re trying to find some sort of arrangement.
“I’ve been talking a lot with the manager and trying to find a solution. I don’t want to say I think it will be done then nothing happens later but everything is positive at the moment. I’m having a great time.”
Boyata is also desperate to find out if he has made the Belgian World Cup squad, he knows that the competition for places is fierce.
“I’ve worked hard to be in the selection this year. I don’t think I’ve missed one. But there are a lot of players in the squad and to get a place for the World Cup was always going to be difficult.
“I’m hopeful. It’s a dream I’ve had since I was younger. I missed the Euros because of an injury, which was hard.
“If I don’t go this time I’ll be sad. I’m just hoping and there is stress but you just don’t know.
“It will be a huge 48 hours for me, but as soon as the final is over I’m going on holiday. So when the squad is announced I’ll be on the plane. I’ll be in the air. I won’t have a clue. A few hours later isn’t going to change anything.”
Boyata also revealed that Celtic is well supported back in his homeland.
“There are a lot of Celtic fans in Belgium. I realised that when I came here. I have a lot of love and support from back home.
“There are Irish bars in Brussels. I never knew that until I signed here. It just shows you how great and big the club is.”
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